Since 1871, every ten years the Federation has set aside one day for the census – a count of all people and households. This enumeration also implies the collection, compilation, evaluation, analysis and publication of demographic, social and economic statistics relating to the population. It is the most complete source of information about the population that we have. The latest census was held in May 2011. The information collected from the census allows the government, private enterprises, health authorities and many other organizations to target their resources more effectively and to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come. In St. Kitts and Nevis, the census is planned and carried out by The Department of Statistics.

We all use public services such as schools, health services, community centres and roads. These services need to be planned in such a way that they keep pace with fast-changing patterns of modern life. We need accurate information on the numbers of people, where they live and what their needs are. Every ten years the census provides a benchmark. It gives us a complete picture of the Federation. It counts the numbers of people living in each community. It provides detailed information about each area and its population composition, what jobs people do, and the type of housing they live in.

The census gives us invaluable facts about:

Population

A count of the number of people living within a community.

Health

Data on the age and socio-economic make-up of the population, and more specifically on general health and long-term illness enables the Government to plan health and social services.

Housing

Information on housing and its occupants measures the housing stock of each community. The number of people living in a house indicated whether there is need for a new house.

The Federation will be divided into Enumeration Districts (Eds) by parish. Each Ed will contain a specified number of households. An enumerator will be assigned to each Ed. His/ her job is to accurately as possible interview all households within the Ed. The enumerator will need to collect the names of the persons living within the household and probably the telephone number of the head of household. This information is used to follow up with a household if information on the census form is incomplete or there appears to be a mistake on the form. Additionally, multiple households may exist at one address – a house may be subdivided into apartments, all with the same physical address. Having the name of the head of household allows The Statistics Department to determine that there are separate households at the same address.

Find vital information here about 2011 Population and Housing Census. See Demographic and Social Statistics